sadieja's review
4.0
This book was the same but different from both of Sloan's other works. However, it was just as enjoyable and hard to put down!
silver_valkyrie_reads's review
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was loving this book right up until the last sentence, which, to avoid spoilers I'll just say was theologically concerning. I have consistently enjoyed how Robin Sloan pairs tradition with technology in his stories, and the fight against supernatural evil in this story only improved that juxtaposition.
I wasn't sure after that last sentence if I should read the sequel, but it turns out it's not so much a sequel as an alternate reality version of the same character, so I think I'll cautiously give it a try.
I wasn't sure after that last sentence if I should read the sequel, but it turns out it's not so much a sequel as an alternate reality version of the same character, so I think I'll cautiously give it a try.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Body horror
jobatkin's review
4.0
It took me a little while to really get the setting and characters in this book, but after the first few scenes gave Annabel a chance to establish her character and identity and I had a better sense of the overall tone, I really started to like it. I especially loved the concept of Doctor Faustus as the demonic ebay for selling various elements of yourself in exchange for ... well anything you can think of. I'm still not too sure what 'quantum' computers really do but the eccentricity of it appealed to me, as did the parallel of Grail to Google. Hugin Nineteen as Annabel's sentient server with mini cameras as eyes in her earrings was really well done also. The book had some really clever and original ideas and characters, and a tone that somehow managed to be both suspenseful and light-hearted, funny and serious, far-fetched and relatable. The plot could have been developed a little better but it was a great read and I would happily read more if it developed into a series.
raucous's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I loved the first 2/3 of this book. It was a fascinating and creative take on alternative timelines. Given that I found the ending disappointing. I'd have preferred a longer piece that didn't leave so much unresolved.
flamesplash's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting short novel. It's a Detective novel mashed up with technology speculation and a little paranormal.
Where Penumbra was rooted in actualities that looked like scifi this is a futurist story with some absurd and some possibility.
Where Penumbra was rooted in actualities that looked like scifi this is a futurist story with some absurd and some possibility.
blburslem's review against another edition
3.0
I think I would have had a hard time understanding this book had I not just read another book that explained multiple universes much better. Even then don't think the story was wrapped up very neatly. I thought the intro story was much more successful then the larger whole.
ana_distracted's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it was longer. I feel like the author had a good premise and a lot of ideas, but everything happened to fast and characters got introduced too fast and it ended up being a little confusing. Still, a fun read.
jelisela's review
5.0
Mr. Sloan, I am now obsessed with your work. This was excellent--I only wish it were longer.